The Art of Holiday Gift Giving

When the economic future of our nation is more uncertain than it has been in decades, we find ourselves fast approaching the holiday season – a time of year that has all-too-often been characterized by the ideas that “bigger is better” and “more is meaningful.” With financial struggles visible across all spectrums of our society, hopefully this holiday season will bring back the idea of not only giving to family and friends but also giving back to the community that surrounds you.

So while the mantra “Shop Locally” has been shouted from the rooftops along the peninsula and printed in the Pulse numerous times before, I couldn’t resist infusing it into our pages one more time. Here are a few reminders of how (and where) you can master the art of holiday gift giving in Door County.

Artistic gifts that…

Exemplify the season:

“Frostbite Collection” by Erik Rinkleff.

If I’ve learned one thing from editing the arts section of this paper for the last five years, it’s that Door County artists represent not only a broad spectrum of mediums and styles but also a wide array of subject matter. The themes depicted within the peninsula’s art scene do not exclude traditions that surround the holidays. For instance, the whimsical, one-of-a-kind, hand-carved Santas and snowmen from Erik Rinkleff’s “Frostbite Collection” portray the jolly nature of the season. And, it doesn’t take long at Pipka’s of Door County to feel as though you’ve taken a trip around the globe via the many depictions of Father Christmas.

Highlight the handmade:

Another integral facet of the Door County art scene is the unparalleled environment for creativity to flourish. In addition to the plethora of locales to pick up that ready made gift, there are also various venues, one such being Hands On Art Studio, that encourage people to create their own masterpieces. And while my artistic talents are certainly limited, I can attest to the fact that the effort put forth for handmade gifts does not go unrecognized. My mother, for one, seems to appreciate, to this day, the bell I made for her in pre-school. While the creation – a glitter-covered portion of a pink Styrofoam egg carton – may actually be the tackiest thing I have ever produced, there seems to be a direct correlation between the length of time I have been out of the house and the more prominent location it receives on the family tree.

Touch on the edible:

The gift itself is not in fact edible, but you can eat off of it – pottery that is. Abe and Ginka Cohn established Door County as a destination for pottery a long time ago, and a number of potters have taken up residence here to carry on that reputation. Whether sipping from a wine glass or coffee mug or eating out of a casserole dish or a soup bowl, the increasing functionality of this art form is evident. With a bit more class than Tupperware, most functional pottery is also dishwasher and microwave safe. Stop by the “Potters Guild & Friends” exhibit at Peninsula School of Art to see a great cross section of the areas artisans.

Cater to the practical:

Not everyone appreciates an abstract painting or a nude sculpture, but each of us needs to stay warm in winter, right? Why not do it with a bit of style? There are a number of artists felting, weaving, knitting, crocheting and quilting one-of-a-kind warm fuzzies. Check out the Shabby Sheep Knits selection available at O’Meara’s Irish House or the Amish quilts available at the Jacksonport Craft Cottage to help someone cozy up this winter. And for the practical penny pinchers, give them a place to put their hard-earned money. Try a wallet, purse or bag from Turtle Ridge Studio & Gallery.

Accentuate the sparkle:

If practical is exactly what that special someone on your list does not want, try draping them in something that sparkles. Considering I am someone who has never even pierced my earlobes, I might not be the best person to go to for advice on this one, but by my quick estimate, I need all 10 fingers plus a few toes to count locations along the peninsula where one can find a custom-made piece of jewelry. From Jeffrey Taylor’s vibrant pendants to Pamela Jeffcoat’s multi-colored gold rings, the peninsula’s jewelers are more than capable of creating that special something for that special someone.

Frame the memorable:

This holiday season, do not be afraid to re-iterate the idea that a picture is worth 1,000 words. Capture a moment through the shutter yourself, dig through the old family albums or stop by a local gallery, such as the Frykman Studio Gallery, to find your favorite Door County vista in print and wrap it up. If you feel like adding more than a bow this year, take the image to one of the many framing specialists (A Decorators Gallery, Artists Guild, Cottage Row Framing & Gallery, Frogtown Framing, Paint Box Gallery, etc.) in the area to help add a bit of polish and panache to your print.

Perpetuate the giving:

Door County is abundant with citizens who are thoughtful of their neighbors’ needs, and artists are no exception. Many artists try to make both a statement and an impact with their art and actions. Tim Nyberg of Gallery Forty Two in Juddville, for example, typically donates 10 percent of sales from original artwork to Habitat for Humanity, and through December 21 of this year, he has increased this pledge to 20 percent. Too many artists to name will exhibit artwork at the Friends of Gibraltar Holiday Arts & Craft Sale, which will take place Nov. 28 and 29 at the Sister Bay Town Hall. The event supports the Friends of Gibraltar, a 25-year-old organization that implements educational themes above and beyond the regular curriculum each year for Gibraltar students. This year’s theme is “Sustainability – Going Green,” which brings us full circle.

Shop locally, and think art, in an effort to add a better, more meaningful contribution to the giving tree this year.

The ideas mentioned above barely delve into the breadth of the artistic community that has defined the Door Peninsula for decades. Peruse the Pulse’s Directory of Galleries for a list of over 150 artist’s studios and galleries and more holiday gift ideas.